Laredo cover

Laredo

Band of Horses · 2010

3 min · 1 track · indie rock

A spacious blend of atmospheric guitar lines and heartfelt vocals that evoke the vastness of the American landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Laredo — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and exploration, with its evocative lyrics painting a vivid portrait of travel and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The song combines atmospheric instrumentation with heartfelt vocals, creating a cohesive and engaging piece.

What we noticed

  • The song features a steady mid-tempo rhythm with layered guitar lines that create a sense of space.
  • Vocals are delivered in a heartfelt manner, with harmonies that build during the chorus.
  • The structure follows a traditional verse-chorus format, with an instrumental bridge that emphasizes the atmospheric quality.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — 'Laredo' is a notable single from 'Infinite Arms,' which solidified their reputation.
Themes
vast American landscapes· road trip longing
Career context
Released on April 13, 2010, 'Laredo' appears on Band of Horses' third studio album, 'Infinite Arms.' This project followed their successful sophomore release, 'Cease to Begin,' which solidified their presence in the indie rock scene and marked a maturation in their sound. At this point, the band was transitioning from critical acclaim to broader commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors
My Morning Jacket· Fleet Foxes· The Shins

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Laredo

    The narrative voice reflects on a journey while grappling with a sense of home and belonging.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Laredo 3:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata